Could it be put more simply? Yoga, while being a great physical
exercise and practice, is not the thing to turn to if your only
motivation is weight loss. Yoga can certainly aid in weight loss, and
even help define muscles, but the heart of yoga lies in the spiritual
practice and adherence to the eight limbs, which advocate for non
violence, understanding, self respect, and self exploration. Many yogis
will tell you that their true love for yoga has come not because they
have mastered the asanas (postures and poses) of yoga, but because they
have found samadhi, or bliss, through their continued practice. To some
people less familiar with the practice of yoga, this statement may be
shocking. The physical aspect of practice has become very big in the
west, often over shadowing the spiritual connection most yogis feel.
Here are some of the ways yoga brings happiness to its practitioners.1. Consistent Practice
Many yogis fall in love with the consistency that yoga provides for
them in their lives. In a world where so much is unreliable, a steady
practice can give people a grounded energy and sense of accomplishment.
Many practitioners have a daily ritual that surrounds their practice,
whether its class first thing in the morning, or class followed by tea
or meditation, this reliable routine is something that many people enjoy
that brings them happiness.
2. Like-Minded Friends
You’ll be hard pressed to find a true yogi that doesn’t have a few
close friends and many close acquaintances from one or more of the
studios they frequent. Finding like minded people to share practice and
maybe post class coffee with is something that many yogi’s love about
their studios and yoga community. Yoga friends are forever friends.
3. A Spiritual Community
Many yoga studios offer activities beyond the physical practice of
yoga, hosting kirtans, special workshops, or lectures given by
meditation experts or famous yogis. This element of belonging to a
studio often gives practitioners a sense of spiritual community. Many
yoga enthusiasts have their own religious practice but for some people
yoga constitutes most of their spiritual life, which is why having
community events related to the eight limbs f yoga often makes many
yogis feel happy and at peace within a larger community.
4. Time For Self Reflection
Yoga often allows one time to self reflect in a meaningful way.
During class or savasana the ego is often less involved in the tinkering
of the mind, meaning that the thought patterns that emerge are more
genuine and more related to the true self. Any type of realization made
during this time tends to be more deeply rooted in self awareness.
Moments like this often lead a sense of bliss that is relatively
unmatched in day to day life.
5. Self Actualization
Being able to move deeper into the physical practice of yoga, and
seeing the progress made with the asanas, often leads people to feeling
more powerful, and more in control of their lives. Yoga shows us that
committing to something will always pay off, no matter how long it
takes. Realizing this in your practice often leads to a stronger belief
in self actualization in all areas of life, making people feel less
chaotic and more centered.
6. Learning to Love Yourself
Yoga teaches self love above anything else. The longer someone sticks
to their practice the more body issues and emotional pain melt away.
Yoga teaches self trust and empowerment and in many ways lifts the veil
of society’s unfair standards for both men and women in terms of
physical appearance and personality traits. Finding happiness in who you
are without being concerned with how you seem to others is something
that brings ultimate happiness, because it is a happiness that relies
solely on you and is therefore only truly affected by you.
For these reasons and many more yoga is a practice that should be
regarded as a lifestyle, one where working on yourself and your issues
goes hand in hand with working towards stronger physical postures and a
stronger body and mind.
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